Global offset
The global offset shifts the timecode address that LTCast displays and broadcasts, relative to the position encoded in the audio file. Use it when your LTC audio starts at a specific SMPTE address and you need to fine-tune the alignment.
What the offset does
When LTCast decodes LTC from an audio file, it reads the timecode address directly from the signal. The global offset adds or subtracts a fixed number of frames from that decoded address before displaying it and before sending it on any output protocol.
A positive offset moves the displayed timecode forward (later). A negative offset moves it backward (earlier). The offset is measured in frames at the current frame rate.
Example: if the LTC in your audio file starts at 01:00:00:00 and your show clock is supposed to start at 01:00:00:10, set the offset to +10.
Where to find the offset control
The global offset field is in the transport area, next to the timecode display. Click the field to edit it directly, or use the nudge buttons to adjust in small increments.
Keyboard nudge shortcuts
Shift+,β nudge offset backward by half a beatShift+.β nudge offset forward by half a beatCtrl+,β nudge offset backward by one beatCtrl+.β nudge offset forward by one beat
The beat size is calculated from the current BPM. If no BPM is detected, nudge increments fall back to a fixed frame count.
Global vs per-song offset
The global offset applies to the entire session. Each song in the setlist can also carry its own Song offset value, configured in the song settings panel. When a song has a per-song offset, that value overrides the global offset for that song only. Songs with no per-song offset use the global value.
- Global offset β applies when there is no per-song override; useful for a show where all songs share the same start address convention
- Per-song offset β overrides the global value for individual songs; useful when different songs have different embedded start addresses
Resetting the offset
Click the offset field and type 0, then press Enter, to reset the global offset to zero. The timecode display immediately reflects the change.